Quantum computer simulation method can speed up progress
Scientists have developed the first method to simulate error correction of quantum computers using conventional machines, an important advance that can accelerate the development of truly reliable quantum technologies. Created by researchers at Chalmers Technical University and international partners, the technology solves one of the biggest challenges of quantum computing: verifying that quantum computing is correct when the system itself is prone to errors that are nearly impossible to track by traditional computers.
The study focused on posting in a letter for physical review, focusing on simulations using a dedicated error correction code called Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) country, a leading method for major technology companies and research laboratories to actively pursue large technology companies and research laboratories.
Verification Challenge
Quantum computers promise to solve complex problems in today’s supercomputer-wide and use potential applications in medicine, energy, encryption, artificial intelligence and logistics. However, these systems face fundamental obstacles: quantum computing is very prone to errors, which are difficult to detect and correct.
“We found a method that simulates a specific type of quantum computing that previous methods do not have effective,” said Cameron Calcluth, PhD in quantum physics and first author of the study in Chalmers Applied. “This means we can now simulate quantum computing using error correction code for fault tolerance, which is crucial to being able to build better, more powerful quantum computers in the future.”
To verify the accuracy of quantum computers, researchers must use conventional computer simulations, a task that is so demanding that sometimes even the most powerful supercomputers in the world need the age of the universe to reproduce quantum results.
Why is error correction important
Quantum computers obtain energy from qubits, which can hold multiple values simultaneously through a phenomenon called superposition. As more quantums are added, this creates exponential computing power, but also makes the system extremely fragile.
Calcluth notes: “Vibrating forms, electromagnetic radiation or the slightest noise of temperature changes can cause Qubits to compute incorrectly or even lose their quantum states, their coherence, and thus lose the ability to continue to compute.”
The solution involves error correction codes that distribute quantum information across multiple systems, so that errors can be detected and fixed without disrupting quantum computing. The GKP method encodes information into multiple energy levels of a vibrating quantum system, but this complexity makes simulations nearly impossible until now.
Mathematical innovation can be simulated
Breakthroughs require the development of new mathematical tools designed specifically for the unique challenges of GKP systems. The research team’s main innovations include:
- Create a dedicated algorithm that can handle the infinite energy levels inherent in GKP code
- Developed the Zak-Gross Wigner feature that actively represents the ideal quantum state while tracking problematic “negative” states
- Establish efficient methods to simulate up to 1000 quantum modes with minimal computational overhead
- Prove simulation complexity with the “negative phase” of quantum states rather than system size scaling
The actual impact on quantum development
“The way quantum information is stored makes it easier for quantum computers to correct errors, making them less sensitive to noise and interference,” explains Giulia Ferrini, associate professor of quantum physics at Applied, and co-author. “GKP codes are very difficult to simulate using conventional computers due to the mechanical properties of its deep quantum. But now, we finally find a unique way to do this, not the previous one.”
This simulation method proves particularly powerful for highly “squeezing” quantum states, which have precise control performance, which is crucial for quantum computing that is easily resistant to faults. For a state with 12 decibel extrusion, which is considered necessary for practical quantum error correction, the algorithm can simulate circuits using less than 1000 modes required for a single mode.
This efficiency represents a huge improvement to existing methods and can enable researchers to verify quantum computer designs before building expensive hardware. The method also provides a way to benchmark early quantum processors and understand how different error correction strategies are performed under real-world conditions.
“This opens up a completely new way to simulate quantum computing that we could not have tested before, but is critical to being able to build stable and scalable quantum computers,” Ferrini emphasized.
As quantum computing moves from laboratory curiosity to practical applications, such simulation methods are crucial to ensuring the workings of these powerful machines, which can bring reliable quantum computing closer to reality.
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